Sam Adam's Black Lager

[kinjar]

I really enjoy the Sam Adam's Black Lager. This week I noticed that my local Giant started selling six packs of it (not just in the gimmick sampler six pack that they charged an arm and a leg for).

Happy to report I was the first person to actually buy it in that store since they had to put it in the system when I tried to check out.

[HogieWan]

I've been wanting to try this beer. I've liked everything I've tasted from Sam Adams (not a whole lot, mind you), but I've heard good stuff about this one.

[newportstorm]

The Black Lager is a nice beer - good score.

But their Brewmaster 6pks are far from gimmicks. They offer newbies and others who want some variety to get it without having to mix-a-six (which some stores do charge a premium for) or buying 6pks of multiple beers (as some stores don't allow singles or mix-a-six - never understood this). The variety may not appeal to you, but is a smart move by BBC and I wish other craft brewers offered mixed sixers - many already offer mixed 12-pks.

And if you see these Brewmaster 6pks at a premium, I'd question the retailer. I don't see them on sale for any/much more than the regular Sam Adams 6pks.

Cheers!

[kinjar]

Originally posted by newportstorm
The Black Lager is a nice beer - good score.

But their Brewmaster 6pks are far from gimmicks. They offer newbies and others who want some variety to get it without having to mix-a-six

Bad word choice on my part. I used it because the store (grocery store) was initially asking ~$14 for it. Unfortunately, at that price, I don't think they'd get many new folks to try it. I finally swallowed my pride when it was on sale for $10 a got it. Glad I did, that's how I got hooked on Black Lager.

[Katefan00]

If you find that you like the black lager style, you should try Kostritzer. An excellent German black lager (my personal favorite).

K.

[kinjar]

Originally posted by Katefan00
If you find that you like the black lager style, you should try Kostritzer. An excellent German black lager (my personal favorite).

K.

That's funny - Kostritzer was the whole reason I wanted to try the SA's Black Lager.

I liked that so much on my one and only trip oversees that I bought the glass - literally. I've had it in bottles state-side, but didn't like it as much. I did find it once in one of those mini-keg things that German imports often come in (sorry - I don't know what they are called) and it was great "draft".

Sounds like you've had better success with the import Kostritzer than I?

[MeridianFC]

And FWIW the Gordon Biersch Schwarzbier is outstanding. This is going to sound crazy but I think it's my favorite, even over Kostrizer. Probably a fresheness issue. If you have a GB nearby I highly recommend it.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by kinjar
Bad word choice on my part. I used it because the store (grocery store) was initially asking ~$14 for it. Unfortunately, at that price, I don't think they'd get many new folks to try it. I finally swallowed my pride when it was on sale for $10 a got it. Glad I did, that's how I got hooked on Black Lager.

Sure they weren't 12pks? $14 for a 6pk? Of Sam Adams? That's unreal! Even at $10, I'd have taken a pass. I can get virtually any 6pk at my local store for $10 or less - west coast, midwest, east coast, imports, etc.

Again, 12pks I can understand at that price. Does this retailer have high(er) prices on other craft beer?

Cheers!

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by Katefan00
If you find that you like the black lager style, you should try Kostritzer. An excellent German black lager (my personal favorite).

K.

Sounds like I'll be sending you some abita soon:)

[Katefan00]

Possibly -- I've had it in the bottle and on draft both, and I agree that it's much better on draft. But the bottle is a close facsimile, or in my experience is anyway. I've never tried to buy it here, only back home, but I would think that Chevy Chase probably has it. Maybe you got some old bottles?

There's also a place here in DC that has it on draft, that's where I usually drink it. A little German restaurant on Capitol Hill called Cafe Berlin that is conveniently close to my apartment :). They have a tiny, 4-5 person bar area (very cozy) and they serve Kostritzer on draft and other German brews as well. It's right next to Schneider's of Capitol Hill, worth a visit if you like Kostritzer!

K.

(Hogie, drop me an email at katefan0 at yahoo dot com! Would love to set up another trade.)

[hops99]

Sure they weren't 12pks? $14 for a 6pk? Of Sam Adams? That's unreal! Even at $10, I'd have taken a pass. I can get virtually any 6pk at my local store for $10 or less - west coast, midwest, east coast, imports, etc.


Ditto that. I sell the variety six packs at my store for $5.99, although next time I order them, they'll probably shoot up to $7.49 (distributor raised the price). Currently, the mix is 2 bottles each of the Black Lager, Boston Ale, and Hefeweizen.

[kinjar]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Sure they weren't 12pks? $14 for a 6pk? Of Sam Adams? That's unreal! Even at $10, I'd have taken a pass. I can get virtually any 6pk at my local store for $10 or less - west coast, midwest, east coast, imports, etc.

Again, 12pks I can understand at that price. Does this retailer have high(er) prices on other craft beer?


It definitely was for a 6pk, I even asked the customer service folks to check. This was a few months back. Then they went on sale. Now they aren't on the shelf anymore.

My guess is that someone in the great Food Store bureacracy in the sky dropped the ball.

As far as other craft beer, it is usually right on target although their selection has gone down dramatically to make room for all the "malt pop" stuff.

[kinjar]

Originally posted by Katefan00

There's also a place here in DC that has it on draft, that's where I usually drink it. A little German restaurant on Capitol Hill called Cafe Berlin....

I don't normally travel to DC since there is so much beer between me and the district :)

But definitely sounds like worth a special trip - thanks for the tip.